Hair Breakage Causes Explained

Understanding Hair Breakage

Hair breakage occurs when the hair shaft fractures, leading to shorter strands and a perception of thinning. This differs from hair shedding, which is the natural detachment of an entire hair strand from the follicle. Breakage often results in hair that appears frizzy, has split ends, and lacks shine. The hair shaft is primarily composed of keratin, a protein, and its structural integrity is crucial for resisting external stressors.

Mechanical Stress

Repeated or forceful physical actions are a primary contributor to hair breakage.

• Aggressive Brushing and Combing: Brushing wet hair, which is more elastic and fragile than dry hair, can cause significant damage. Using brushes with hard bristles or fine-toothed combs on tangled hair creates tension that can snap strands. Detangling should always start from the ends and work upwards.
• Tight Hairstyles: Styles that pull the hair tightly, such as high ponytails, braids, and buns, create constant tension on the hair shaft and scalp. Over time, this stress can lead to breakage along the hairline and mid-shaft.
• Rough Towel Drying: Vigorously rubbing hair with a towel can roughen the cuticle, the outermost layer of the hair shaft, making it more prone to snagging and breakage. Gently blotting or squeezing excess water is a gentler approach.

Chemical Damage

Chemical processes alter the hair's internal structure, making it more vulnerable to breakage.

• Coloring and Bleaching: These processes involve strong chemicals that penetrate the hair shaft to deposit or remove pigment. Bleaching, in particular, lifts the cuticle and dissolves melanin, which can significantly weaken the hair's protein structure if not performed carefully or if done too frequently.
• Perms and Chemical Straighteners: These treatments use chemicals to restructure the hair's disulfide bonds, altering its texture. While effective, they can severely compromise hair strength and elasticity if over-processed or applied to already damaged hair.
• Improper Product Use: Products with harsh sulfates or high alcohol content can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness, which increases the likelihood of breakage.

Heat Damage

Excessive heat removes essential moisture from the hair, leading to dryness and weakening of the keratin structure.

• Hot Styling Tools: Flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers operating at high temperatures can cause immediate and cumulative damage. Direct heat can vaporize water within the hair shaft, creating bubbles that weaken the strand, making it susceptible to fracturing.
• Lack of Heat Protectant: Not using a heat protectant spray prior to styling leaves the hair vulnerable. These products typically form a protective barrier that reduces heat penetration and helps to distribute heat more evenly.

Environmental Factors

The environment can also play a significant role in hair health.

• UV Radiation: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can degrade the keratin proteins in the hair, leading to dryness, brittleness, and faded color. UV rays can also damage the cuticle, making it rougher and more prone to breakage.
• Wind: Constant exposure to strong winds can tangle hair, leading to mechanical stress and breakage when combed or brushed. Wind also contributes to moisture loss, further exacerbating dryness.
• Chlorine and Salt Water: Both chlorine from swimming pools and salt from seawater can strip hair of its natural oils, leaving it dry, porous, and more susceptible to damage. Chlorine can also react with hair dyes, causing discoloration and further weakening.

Nutritional Deficiencies and Health Conditions

Internal factors, such as diet and overall health, are integral to hair strength.

• Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins can compromise hair growth and strength. Key nutrients for hair health include iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins A, C, D, and E. Protein is the building block of hair, and insufficient intake can lead to weak and brittle strands.
• Stress: Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle, potentially leading to increased shedding and, in some cases, contributing to weaker new growth that is more prone to breakage.
• Thyroid Disorders: Both an overactive and underactive thyroid can impact hair health, often resulting in dry, brittle hair that breaks easily.
• Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal fluctuations due to pregnancy, menopause, or certain medical conditions can affect hair texture and strength, making it more prone to breakage.

Hair Care Practices to Minimize Breakage

Minimizing hair breakage involves a holistic approach that addresses both external stressors and internal health. Using gentle hair care products, avoiding harsh chemical treatments, limiting heat styling, and maintaining a balanced diet are key steps. Regular conditioning and deep conditioning treatments help to restore moisture and strengthen the hair shaft. Understanding the specific causes of breakage for an individual allows for targeted interventions to promote healthier, stronger hair.

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Find these ingredients in Watermans products

• Biotin — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Growth Shampoo.
• Zinc — you will find this ingredient in our Hair Vitamins.